Jennifer’s lawyer spoke up, “Your Honor, yes, Jennifer did falsify the report, but her only intention was to protect her sister. At that time, her sister Teresa had already divorced the plaintiff, Jonathan. She was terrified that the child Teresa had worked so hard to raise would be taken away by the father, so she couldn’t help but do what she did.”
The plaintiff’s lawyer shot back, “No matter what her reasons were, as a doctor, she, more than anyone, knew the consequences and price of forging a report. But she still went ahead and did it, showing she has no medical ethics and no respect for the law. Because of her selfishness, a three-year-old boy who just wanted his father’s love was kept from meeting his real dad in time. That’s just heartbreaking.”
After speaking, the plaintiff’s lawyer pointed at Teresa. “Your Honor, Jennifer may have forged the report, but the child’s mother, Teresa, also bears significant responsibility. If she had stopped her in time, Jennifer wouldn’t have had to take such drastic action,” the plaintiff’s lawyer said.
Those biting words landed squarely on Teresa. Irene watched her closely, a flicker of anger crossing her face. But Teresa remained calm, almost expressionless.
Last night, Benny had a long talk with Teresa. If she wanted to help Jennifer and get a lighter sentence, she had to take some of the blame. She needed to firmly insist that Jennifer did everything solely to protect Teresa and the child. Benny had specifically stressed that she should keep emphasizing the word “protect.” Teresa didn’t need to say anything else. So, she stayed composed and didn’t deny her share of responsibility.
“I object,” Jonathan suddenly spoke up from the plaintiff’s table. He stood up and said, “Back then, I was the one at fault in our marriage. I can’t blame Teresa for not telling me about the child.”
The plaintiff’s lawyer pressed his lips together, glancing at Jonathan, who was so eager to defend his wife, then shot a quick look at Irene.
Irene couldn’t hold back any longer. “Your Honor, Jennifer isn’t even Teresa’s real sister. It was Teresa who instructed Jennifer to forge the report. Jennifer abused her position to do it. They were totally in cahoots.”
Irene’s words sent shockwaves through the courtroom. Teresa and Gary, sitting in the gallery, both went pale; Jonathan, sitting next to Irene, had obvious displeasure written all over his face. But Irene was dead set on ignoring Jonathan’s warning glare. She pressed on, “Teresa’s no saint either. She ruthlessly stole my grandson away. Throw the book at both of them.”
At that moment, Irene’s outburst was like she was venting all the frustration she felt from Jonathan’s disapproval. It was pure revenge. She was out to get back at Teresa, to make Jennifer uncomfortable, but most of all, to make Teresa suffer.
The judge spoke up. “Plaintiff, please take your seat.” Irene slowly sat down, shooting her lawyer a meaningful look. The plaintiff’s lawyer and Irene were totally in cahoots.
Irene’s lawyer asked, “Ms. Johnston, did you ever ask the defendant, Jennifer, to help you forge a DNA test report, and did you offer her any gifts or bribes in return? After Ms. Nelson forged the first DNA test report, you gave her a Mercedes-Benz. Did that happen?” the plaintiff’s lawyer pressed, his gaze locked on Teresa.
All eyes in the courtroom turned to Teresa. She stood up, clearly unsettled. “I did give her a car, but…”
Before she could finish, the plaintiff’s lawyer cut Teresa off with a smirk. “Then, Ms. Johnston, I’d like you to take the stand and answer a few questions. Your Honor, is that acceptable?”
The judge nodded, signaling for Teresa to come forward. Teresa didn’t notice the cold glint in Irene’s eyes.
The look Irene gave made it obvious. She was clearly trying to use this chance to get both Jennifer and Teresa busted in one go.